FOXBORO – A look at the calendar on the wall reveals that it’s mid-August.

A look at the calendar in the league office in New York reveals that the NFL’s two mandatory cutdown dates are beginning to come into view.

By 4 p.m. on Aug. 26, the Patriots must cut their roster, currently 89 in number, to 75. By 6 p.m. on Aug. 30, they must get down to the league’s regular-season limit of 53.

With that, and the team’s depth chart, in mind, here are a few things to look for when the Patriots host the Philadelphia Eagles in their preseason home opener at Gillette Stadium tonight (7:30: Channel 4; WBZ-FM/98.5):

QUARTERBACK CONTROVERSY – After struggling the first two weeks of training camp, second-round draft choice Jimmy Garoppolo went out and did more in one half of the Patriots’ 23-6 preseason-opening loss to the Washington Redskins (9-for-13 for 157 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions) than Ryan Mallett’s done in four years here.

Still, it would be absurd to think that one performance caused Bill Belichick to take whiteout to his depth chart at this position.

There’s no question the summertime heat is rising on Mallett (5-for-12 in the first half of the Redskins game).

After missing the Patriots’ practices Sunday and Monday for what he called “maintenance,” Mallett returned for the week’s joint sessions with the Eagles in Foxboro.

SNAP JUDGMENT – Many speculated during the offseason that Dan Connolly, the team’s starting right guard the past two seasons, was in danger of failing to make the final 53, the victim of a rather hefty salary and the development of up-and-comer Josh Kline.

To this point in the summer, Connolly has simply shifted one spot over to center, the position where he succeeded Dan Koppen as the starter in 2011, meaning Ryan Wendell, who started there in each of the past two years, could be the endangered species here.

It’s never a good sign for an offensive lineman when his most memorable play in camp is a one-handed catch on a pass thrown by the holder (Ryan Allen) off a fake field goal, but that’s been the case for Wendell.

It should also be noted that the offensive line, on the whole, did not fare well versus the Redskins in the preseason opener.

A TIGHT FIT? – With Sunday’s re-do at the position pretty much already redone – signed that day when Justin Jones and Asa Watson were released, Terrence Miller (waived injured Wednesday) and Ben Hartsock (released Thursday) are already gone – the only tight end by trade who would appear to be ready to play tonight would be Steve Maneri, who also just came aboard on Sunday.

Page 2 of 2 - Rob Gronkowski remains limited in practice coming off last season’s knee injury while Michael Hoomanawanui and D.J. Williams have been absent from practice due to injuries.

Expect James Develin, a fullback who doubles at tight end, to get plenty of reps at the position tonight because, well, he’ll have to.

A TALL ORDER – After struggling at the outset of training camp – one couldn’t help but wonder if his name was Brandon LaFell or Brandon LaDrop – a certain 6-foot-3 wide receiver who was signed as an unrestricted free agent in March has made some great strides with his new team.

Don’t want to overstate the case just yet – LaFell, after all, developed a reputation for dropping balls during his four years in Carolina – but could he be growing into the sizable talent Brady so badly needs?

Also 6-foot-3, Brian Tyms could bring some size to the position.

Unemployed when camp started, Tyms led Garoppolo’s supporting cast with five receptions for 119 yards and the team’s lone touchdown versus the Redskins, but is a guy with two career receptions on his resume capable of showing up a second straight week?

THE BUTLER DID IT – Backing an impressive showing against the Redskins with yet another honest week of work at practice, Malcolm Butler has shown signs of emerging as this year’s rookie free-agent find.

Can the product of Division 2 West Alabama continue what is developing into an unlikely story?

GETTING A LEG UP – After suffering a torn ACL in his left knee and failing to make it to the regular season in each of his two years in San Francisco, some would say the fact that Darius Fleming is still standing at this point in time is a sure sign of progress.

Here’s another one: Fleming, with his versatility (he can play inside or outside) and ability (an encouraging six-tackle performance versus the Redskins and consistent efforts in practice), appears to be mounting a serious bid to make this team.

Glen Farley may be reached at gfarley@enterprisenews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @GFarley_ent.